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Beware of Non-OEM Generic Batteries on Ebay

Discussion in 'Dell Latitude, Vostro, and Precision' started by Dellienware, Feb 18, 2014.

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  1. Dellienware

    Dellienware Workstations & Ultrabooks

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    If you are tech savvy and have experience dealing with OEM parts, you know the risks. I was surprised to see how many people use non-OEM generic AC adapters and batteries around campus.

    I took a risk and bought one on Ebay, one of those generics, because I was curious. I know Express Charge feature will not work with non-OEM, but I was impressed by 58whr capacity they offered, compared to that of 60whr for OEM.

    The issue is not about power inconsistency that poses dangers to your system board. (Which is a rare case anyways) The real issue is that manufacturers straight up deceive the actual capacity of the battery. As an example, 11.1v 5200mah battery with 58Whr rating only had actual 48Whr. Checked via Battery Bar Pro. It is not the wear that reduced capacity, but the original manufactured capacity was sitting at 48Whr.

    The story here is that the risks of power inconsistency and loss of Express Charge may theoretically outweigh the cheap costs of these replacement batteries. The issue is that, with their flat out lying about true capacity of the cells, it defeats the purpose of buying a new battery in the first place. 58Whr -> 48Whr = 20% loss of capacity

    Maybe you have had a luckier experience. But in case, what is cheap is cheap for a reason.
     
  2. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    Welcome to the Chinese world of the aftermarket batteries where you seldom know what's in them and even more infrequently know how they're put together. The battery world is arguably the most mysterious in all of electronics. The best I've gotten from ebay is 50/50, so even if nothing else try and get a replacement with the OEM logo on it. Hopefully, genuine will be genuine, and if it bricks your laptop, at least you'll be covered.

    I got the generic battery from a dealer on ebay that claimed to sell reputable batteries and it has lasted longer than both replacements from the OEM (second battery was replaced under warranty). I was lucky with the power brick too, which I replace for 1/3 of what the OEM was charging. Its still charging.
     
  3. 996GT2

    996GT2 Notebook Consultant

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    Batteries are one of those things that I absolutely avoid buying from non-OEM sources (unless that third party is verified to use quality cells from Sanyo, Samsung, Panasonic, etc).

    If you look around and are patient, you should be able to find an OEM Dell battery for not too much money. I purchased my brand-new and sealed OEM 58 Whr Long-Life Dell battery for around $45 on eBay a while back. The seller had 5-10 of them for sale IIRC.
     
  4. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    Woah Krane, multipost madness, for some reason, your post went through 8 times...

    Anyways, took care of the duplicates, curious at to how that happened. If I see that happen again, I'll push it to the admins, might be something wrong with the forum.

    In any case: buy an OEM battery, it's worth it just to avoid headaches.
     
  5. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    Sorry for multiple post but nothing is showing up on my end, No more posts today.
     
  6. Dellienware

    Dellienware Workstations & Ultrabooks

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    Yea I just ordered a new OEM one for twice the cost of the replacement. I think it's one of those things that are really worth it.

    I remember last year sitting behind this girl with an Inspiron during the lecture and she was quite upset because during critical time her AC adapter crapped out and the laptop had to be powered off. She was cursing at Dell, without realizing she had bought a fake charger. I noticed the "Replacement" marker on the label and felt bad for her.

    Krane, I'm real jealous with your Covet at the moment. That red is absolutely gorgeous. Red team over here.
     
  7. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    Pity the Premiere color display is no longer available? That makes HP the only choice if you need a more color accurate display. Maybe they're working on the next 4k version?
     
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